21st July

The events happened on 21st July are :

1861 : First Battle of Bull Run : The First Battle of Bull Run (called First Manassas by the South) was fought this day during the American Civil War. Although neither army was adequately prepared at this early stage of the war, political considerations and popular pressures caused the Federal government to order General Irvin McDowell to advance southwest of Washington to Bull Run in a move against Richmond, Virginia. The Union army assaulted the Confederates under the command of General P.G.T. Beauregard, and the battle raged back and forth until the arrival of the last replacements commanded by General Joseph E. Johnston forced the Federals into a disorganized retreat to Washington, D.C.